Free tools and templates
You don't need pricey software to bid well. A spreadsheet, a free takeoff tool and your supplier's pricing will carry you a long way.
In this series
Takeoff and estimating
Terms change, so verify current pricing, but each of these has a genuinely free way in as of 2026.
- Google Sheets or Excel. Free and more than enough. Build a reusable takeoff and estimate workbook.
- Free takeoff tools. Measure quantities right on a PDF plan. Search for free construction takeoff software; several offer free tiers.
- Supplier sites and home-center pricing. Live, local material costs for your price list.
Proposals and getting paid
- PandaDoc or SignWell. Free e-sign plans for sending proposals.
- Canva or Google Docs. Free, clean proposal templates you can brand.
- SBA and SCORE. Free small-business guidance on pricing and overhead.
